Early retirement withdrawals accelerate, but baby boomers save the most

Didier Malagies • November 27, 2023


Retirement account balances decreased only slightly in the third quarter of 2023, but account withdrawals and loans are inching up as the ongoing effects of inflation continue to impact workers across demographics. This is according to Fidelity Investments’ Q3 2023 retirement analysis.


While retirement savings behaviors continue to remain strong — an “encouraging” sign, Fidelity said — the rise in withdrawals and loans continues to show that Americans are borrowing from their retirement accounts now to stem the tide of higher prices and overall living costs, the analysis found.


“Americans have become accustomed to riding the economic waves of the past several years, and this quarter is no different,” Kevin Barry, president of workplace investing at Fidelity, said in a statement. “They are learning how to stay afloat in very challenging financial conditions — including having enough money set aside should an emergency arise.”


Barry is “pleased” to see retirement savers “stay the course with steady savings rates and continu[ing] commitment to their futures” despite these challenges.


Workers in the baby boomer demographic — or those born between 1946 and 1964 — continue to save for retirement at the highest levels compared with other surveyed generations. Fidelity has a suggested savings rate of 15%; baby boomers, on average, best that rate by nearly two percentage points (16.7%).

However, hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts are on the rise across the board.

Fidelity found that 2.3% of workers took a hardship withdrawal in Q3 2023, an increase over the 1.8% of workers who took such a withdrawal a year ago. Respondents cited “avoiding foreclosure/eviction” and “medical expenses,” respectively, for why they were tapping their retirement savings.


“In Q3, 2.8% of participants took a loan from their 401(k), which is flat from Q2 and up from 2.4% in Q3 2022,” the analysis showed. “The percentage of workers with a loan outstanding has increased slightly to 17.6%, up from 17.2% last quarter and 16.8% in Q3 2022.”


Another recent survey from Charles Schwab found that older Americans are the most reluctant to seek out personalized financial advice, though a majority of baby boomer respondents in that survey (62%) still indicated it was something they would pursue.



The positive response rate increases for each successive generation: 75% for Generation X; 78% for millennials; and 83% for Generation Z.



Have A Question?

Use the form below and we will give your our expert answers!

Reverse Mortgage Ask A Question


Start Your Loan with DDA today
Your local Mortgage Broker

Mortgage Broker Largo
See our Reviews

Looking for more details? Listen to our extended podcast! 

Check out our other helpful videos to learn more about credit and residential mortgages.

By Didier Malagies June 16, 2025
Buying a condo is different from purchasing a single-family home, and it's important to understand the unique consid Here’s a simple and clear breakdown of how AI is making second mortgages easier for homeowners and lenders alike: 🔍 What Is a Second Mortgage? A second mortgage lets homeowners borrow against their home's equity, without replacing their existing mortgage. Common types: Home Equity Loan (lump sum) HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) 🤖 How AI Makes Second Mortgages Easier 1. Faster Approval Times AI streamlines credit, income, and property evaluations. Cuts days or weeks off traditional underwriting. 2. Smarter Risk Assessment Machine learning analyzes borrower profiles more accurately than standard models. Lenders can offer better rates to lower-risk borrowers. 3. Better Property Valuations AI-powered AVMs (automated valuation models) assess home value using up-to-date market data, photos, and even satellite imagery. 4. Chatbots & Virtual Assistants Available 24/7 to answer questions, guide users through the process, and gather documents. Reduces human error and friction for borrowers. 5. Fraud Detection AI systems detect unusual patterns in applications to flag potential fraud before approval. 6. Personalized Loan Offers Based on data from credit, home value, and income, AI can recommend the right loan product—tailored to the borrower’s needs. 🏡 Why It Matters for You Quicker access to cash Less paperwork More competitive offers Lower costs thanks to automation If you want, I can help you compare second mortgage options, estimate your equity, or show AI-powered lenders making waves in 2025. Just let me know! tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
By Didier Malagies June 12, 2025
The federal bill that seeks to eliminate abusive trigger leads took a major step forward this week, advancing in the U.S. House of Representatives and reigniting hopes across the mortgage industry that it could soon become law. Yes, that's an important development for the mortgage and consumer protection landscape. The federal bill to eliminate abusive trigger leads recently advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives , which is a significant step toward potentially becoming law. Here’s what this means: 🔍 What Are Trigger Leads? When a consumer applies for a mortgage and a credit inquiry is made, credit bureaus can sell that information to other lenders. These are known as trigger leads . While legal, they often result in a flood of unsolicited calls or offers from competing lenders — many of which may be misleading or aggressive. 🏛️ About the Bill The legislation seeks to ban or strictly limit the use of trigger leads unless the consumer explicitly consents. It aims to: Protect consumers from confusing or predatory offers . Curb misleading solicitations that impersonate the original lender. Improve privacy and control over a borrower’s financial data. 🏠 Industry Reaction The mortgage industry and consumer advocacy groups have largely welcomed the move, arguing that trigger leads: Cause consumer confusion. Undermine trust in legitimate lenders. Lead to identity theft or fraud in some cases. 📅 What’s Next? The bill now moves to the Senate , where it will need to pass before reaching the President’s desk. Industry stakeholders are pushing for bipartisan support, noting the broad agreement on consumer protection. 
By Didier Malagies June 9, 2025
We offer 2nd mortgages on primary, secondary, and investment properties we do purchases or refinances on Conventional, FHA, VA, and Non- Qm mortgages, We do Reverse Mortgages, Construction Permanent loans, FHA203k, and Conventional Renovation loans. Let me know how we can help you or someone you know tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog Didier Malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
Show More